Caring for your pet after cruciate ligament repair.

The cruciate ligament acts to stabilise the stifle or knee joint. Rupture of this ligament can occur quickly after trauma (like happens to skiers and footballers) or more gradually over time.

If left untreated the instability will lead to severe irreversible osteoarthritis.

The aims of surgical repair are to:

  1. Inspect the joint for cartilage damage.
  2. Create stabilty by inserting a synthetic suture or a natural graft.
  3. Tighten the joint capsule to give support.

After this surgery it will take some weeks till your pet will use the leg and a few months till it is really strong.

During this time you can help the repair by:

  1. Ensuring strict rest for the initial 2 weeks ­ keep your pet inside and confined except for toilet breaks.
  2. A course of weekly Cartrophen injections starting when we take the sutures out after 10 days. These reduce the amount of arthritis and help the joint heal.
  3. Weight control is vital, an overweight dog has a high chance of the other leg going as well.
  4. About 3 weeks after the surgery begin gentle walks on the lead increasing by 10­15 minutes weekly.
  5. Swimming is great at this time as is gentle physiotherapy ­ we will show you how.
  6. It will be 3-4 months until your dog can play ball games or jump.

Note: The information in this document is supplied for use in combination with Burke Road Veterinarian Clinic consultation only and should not be relied upon as veterinary medical advice applicable to your own circumstances. Accordingly, you should not act on the basis of this information without seeking veterinary medical advice or other expert assistance at Burke Road Veterinary Clinic or other veterinarian clinic.

www.burkeroadvet.com

529 Burke Road
Camberwell Victoria 3124
Telephone: 9822 3268
Facsimile: 9822 6216
Email: theteam@burkeroadvet.com

Dr Cathy Jennings BVSc (Hons) MRCVS
Dr Tina Missen BVSc
Dr Donna Pyke BVSc (Hons) MACVS (surg) IVAS
Dr Katrina Lange BVSc

Hours: 8.00 am to 7.30 pm Monday to Friday
8.00 am to 3.00 pm Saturday
9.00 am to 12.00 am Sunday